Many front office people around the NBA believe the Celtics might trade for Kings forward Harrison Barnes prior to this month’s deadline, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Boston’s interest in Barnes has been reported multiple times this season, including on Tuesday by Chris Mannix of SI.com.
As Amick explains, Barnes is probably a more realistic target for the Celtics than players like Jerami Grant and Nikola Vucevic, whose teams would likely seek a more substantial return. Sources tell The Athletic that the Kings appear to be shifting into seller mode, so they could be intrigued by Boston’s first-round picks and young prospects, who would match Sacramento’s timeline.
Here’s more from Amick:
- Sources tell The Athletic that the Celtics‘ interest in James Harden – and their involvement in the Harden sweepstakes – was more serious than Danny Ainge‘s comments at the time would suggest. Amick has previously reported that Boston was still in the mix during the later stages of negotiations.
- The Clippers feel good about their core and if they make any trades, they’ll likely just address the margins of their roster, according to Amick, who hears from sources that Lou Williams no longer appears available, as he was in the offseason.
- People around the NBA believe Kyle Lowry‘s $30.5MM cap hit will be an obstacle that may prevent the Raptors guard from being dealt, says Amick. The Clippers are among the teams with interest in Lowry, but may not be able to make the money work, according to Amick, who points to the Thunder‘s George Hill as a more affordable and attainable alternative for teams in need of a veteran point guard.
- Finances will also be a factor for teams considering making a play for Kings forward Marvin Bagley III, per Amick. Bagley will make $11.3MM in 2021/22 and his qualifying offer in ’22 would be worth nearly $15MM.
The Celtics don’t need anymore forwards, they need a big man
They have a solid 3 man rotation at the big spot…. What they NEED is a back up wing that can handle the ball in a pinch and is switchable on D….Jayson and Jaylen are averaging around 35 minutes a game…Brad has never had a player average more than 32/33 minutes a game in his time with the C’s. There’s a reason that the C’s young stars are playing so many minutes.
Bagley to the Celtics?
In term of low ball offer, Ainge is the best GM ever
My insane trade offer would be
Bjelica and Bagley to Celtics for TPE
Two B for one T
You still need to read the TPE glossary.
sillyman…. who’s the best GM??? Who did u say?? Did u say Ainge? Cause we both know who u thought was the best GM “ever” a couple of hours ago… Right… Sam Hinkie Right… lolol… sillyman smh sillyman smh sillyman smh.
Welp.. might see how will Sixers fans feel about Hinkie with an Embiid MVP and a Sixers finals appearance.
u have no idea what i was talking about bro.
Barnes would be a good fit at 4 next to Tatum
and Brown – but does Boston have the assets to get him?
Barnes? It won’t take much, especially if the Kings truly are vested sellers at the deadline
If the C’s trade for Barnes they can’t trade R. Williams and PP (besides J&J) because Barnes won’t help them in the long run the only way they should trade these to is if it’s for guys like Beal, Vucevic or K. P unless KAT becomes available they need a guy who’s going to make a star impact or a few yrs left on a contract someone who can slide right into the starting lineup or will be that Sixth man
I only call the Kings for Buddy Hield if I’m Ainge. They need a big fish, not a minnow
No they don’t… They need a better bench… That and I wouldn’t call a guy who spent quite a bit of time on the bench last year on a non contender, a big fish…
I’ve never seen a team with 3 stars that still needs help like the celtics….Ainge and his ego ruined what they were supposed to be building. Shoot first point guards won’t work, and he has yet to get it.
Ainge is a reason they have 3 stars… Lol… If you’ve never seen a team with 3 all star caliber players, a bunch of rookies and a few veterans who have struggled a bit due to health, then you haven’t been watching nba games/teams for very long.. Lol
Celtics (Ainge) involved in the Harden “sweepstakes”? – Involved as in Ainge put together a competitive trade package for Harden, or at least discussed the parameters of one with the Rockets? I don’t know who the Athletics’ sources are, but I don’t believe them. If involved means he offered the Cleveland package to get J. Allen, then OK.
I’ve yet to hear in any Celtic trade possibilities who it is they’re actually willing to trade. Barnes isn’t a star, but I would think that, under his current contract, he still has real value. Nobody on the Boston roster (beyond their 2 young AS’s and Smart) has as much value. Is Ainge willing to trade picks in volume (never has before)?
Boston doesnt need bigs. I can see them maybe using help at the 4/3 positions behind Tatum and Brown, but I think they’re fine at the 4. They could use another shooter at the 2/3 spots. Wayne Ellington might be a really strong fit. Also would like to see them go away from the bad multibig lineups, and use Pritchard and Nesmith more. Also really waiting for Langford to get healthy b/c I think they can put together some really interesting, versatile lineups. Hope they dont do anything to compromise most of their rotation options. They have 3-4 spots to play with between 1 of their bigs, Teague, Edwards, and Javonte Green…I would say Kemba is probably available as well, but not sure how much value he has right now in a trade